PlanetCatfish.com

I have two L75 rio de para plecos that I think are a pair. I would like to give them their own tank and see if they breed. They are about three inches each. I beleive this species grows to about six inches. Do you think a 29 gallon (30 inch long) tank would be good for breeding, if my plecos are so inclined? I would devote this tank to the plecos, with no other fish. Do you think I need to go even larger than a 29 gallon?

Both of these plecos are currently housed in a 90 gallon tank and they get along well with each other. I have to give them their own tank very soon though, as the other tank inhabitants are beginning to harass the plecos.

I wouldn't use anything smaller than a 3 foot tank. IMO around a 4 foot tank is best.

Bristle nose wrote:I wouldn't use anything smaller than a 3 foot tank. IMO around a 4 foot tank is best.

Since I've posted here, I went out to the fish store, and have been looking at tanks. I've been leaning toward a 40 gallon, 36 inch tank. The two L75's would be the only fish in it. I'm not sure exactly how big they get; I've seen an article that says 6.5 inches, and an article that says 9.8 inches. Can anyone with experience with this species tell me how big they've gotten for them?

From what I've read, they're one of the more mild mannered species when it comes to breeding. I could start out with the 36 inch tank, and if they do get to nine inches, I could buy a bigger tank for them at that point. Right now, I'd say they're about three inches. I may not even have a pair, but I figure I'll grow them out and give it a shot. They're a handsome fish even if they don't breed. I hope their spots stay vibrant as they continue to grow.